1-153-565 - Ann Ronan Picture Library/Heritage-Images

Hannibal crossing the Alps, 218 BC (early 20th century). During the Second Punic War, the Carthaginian general Hannibal led his army, including elephants, across the Alps into northern Italy to confront the Roman army. He defeated the Romans in three battles, the Trebia (218 BC), Lake Trasimene (217 BC) and most decisively at Cannae (216 BC).